Menopause Specialist

Menopause occurs as women move out of their reproductive years. The hormonal changes associated with this natural process can affect your overall sense of health and wellbeing. The women’s healthcare specialists at Embry Women’s Health, offer personalized, patient-centered medical care that utilizes the best treatments available to reduce your symptoms and manage the changes associated with menopause.

Menopause Q&A

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life which occurs when she has stopped producing functional eggs. At birth women have about 1 to 3 million functioning eggs and by the time a woman reaches menstruation she has around 400,000. At menopause, women can have less than 10,000. While some are indeed lost through ovulation, many die naturally in a process referred to as atresia. As menopause draws near, the eggs is a woman’s body become resistant to FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, and the ovaries drastically reduce production of estrogen. At menopause, testosterone production is also decreased. These changes often cause numerous unwanted symptoms.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Changes in progesterone and estrogen levels, hormones related to the reproductive system, occur as a woman ages. These hormonal swings typically begin several years before your final period and may produce symptoms that include:

  • Changes in your menstrual period: Including lighter or heavier bleeding and fewer or more frequent periods
  • Hot flashes and night sweats: That can last for seconds or a long as 10 minutes
  • Vaginal dryness: Discomfort during sexual intercourse and may lead to vaginal infections
  • Loss of bladder control: Urinary leakage during coughing bouts, exercise, and routine activity
  • Altered sleep patterns: Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
  • Mood changes: Similar to mood swings experienced during puberty
  • Weight gain: Changes in body shape, such as thickening about the waist, and loss of muscle tone
  • Decreased interest versus increased enjoyment of sex

What are the health concerns related to menopause?

Science is not sure, but estrogen may act as a protective measure against developing conditions such as osteoporosis or heart disease, though these conditions are also linked to the natural aging process. Some women enjoy the freedom that comes with cessation of their menstrual periods. But the psychological impact of menopause is often a major challenge for women who face concerns related to the aging process.

The average age of menopause is 51, and that’s also about the time your doctor may start recommending more frequent screening labs and diagnostic studies to monitor for diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, and certain cancers. All of these changes hitting at once can be overwhelming. The good news is that the experts at Embry Women’s Health can help you manage your symptoms and potentially enjoy rather than dread the life that comes after menopause.

How do you manage menopause?

The dedicated practitioners at Embry Women’s Health manage menopause from a personal and professional perspective. They’re focused on decreasing your symptoms, providing guidance on the emotional impact of menopause, and monitoring for concerning changes in your physical health. They accomplish their goals through:

  • Physical exams, screening labs, and in-depth discussion to establish your current phase of menopause and recommend a care plan
  • Possible hormone therapy to ease your symptoms
  • Tips on how to handle hot flashes, sleep disturbance, and other issues related to menopause
  • Guidance regarding a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle that keep your musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and other systems functioning normally
  • Herbal remedies or supplements to relieve your symptoms and supplement the metabolic imbalances related to menopause
  • Diagnostic studies such as DEXA scan to monitor your bone density

What Treatments Are Available for Severe Menopausal Symptoms?

When the symptoms of menopause interfere with a woman’s everyday life there are a variety of treatments which can be used including:

  • Lifestyle changes- Diet and exercise can help to keep the woman in good physical health and avoiding potential triggers such as spicy foods and caffeine can help with night sweats and hot flashes.
  • Prescription Medications- Hormone replacement therapy is commonly used and for women who have a uterus, estrogen and progesterone are prescribed. For women without a uterus, they are prescribed estrogen alone. Hormones are only prescribed under a doctor’s recommendation and there are other medications available if the woman does not want to take hormones.
  • Alternative Therapies- Meditation, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques have been used by some women and they can help greatly. Herbal treatments have also shown success but should not be taken without speaking to a doctor.

OUR PATIENTS SAY

I first chose to come to Embry Womens Health because it was near my home and they took my insurance. I’ve been coming back because JoEllen is AMAZING! The whole office is so welcoming and comforting, I’ve moved 20 miles away and I STILL go to see JoEllen for all of my women’s healthcare. I will literally plan my days off around an appointment so I can continue being a patient here.
I can’t say enough good things about Embry Women’s Health and hope to be able to be a patient for life!

5 Stars – Yelp – 11/13/2019

MAGGIE S.

I still love this place. It’s my second year as a patient here, and they still treat me so well. Every concern that I had was taken seriously and my doctor gave me some things to help with a couple of them. The office also isn’t really cold (which I’ve found to be a problem at some offices) so you won’t be freezing during your exam. She’s definitely the best doctor I have been to and recommend to every woman to look into coming here. Also, all of your test results are available online through a patient portal, and you can also schedule new appointments and fill out all of your patient information forms ahead of time on there. This makes checking in for your appointment super quick and easy.

5 Stars – Yelp – 10/31/2019

SHANA E.

This was my first visit at this office and it was so much better then a visit I’ve had at a different gynecologist. The ladies were genuinely friendly and helpful and all very knowledgeable. They make you feel comfortable and safe. It’s so hard to find a gynecologist that fits your needs and I’m very happy to say I found mine.

5 Stars – Yelp – 4/10/2018

KELLY M.

Insurance

Embry Women’s Health is committed to providing quality, affordable health care. We’re in-network with all major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. No insurance? No problem. We offer a simple fee schedule for those who wish to pay out-of-pocket. Click the button below for our complete list and more information:

Embry Women’s Health is no longer accepting insurance and will be a self-pay practice. We understand that our decision to no longer accept insurance may come as a disappointment. However, we carefully deliberated and concluded that this change was in the best interest of our practice.

Self Pay Prices:

New Patient Appointment: $200

Established Patient Appointment: $100

Self Pay Package Pricing coming soon!

If you have insurance, we will still send your information to any laboratories so they can still bill your insurance for testing.

TESTIMONIALS

Words from our patients

JoEllen is AMAZING! Not only is she professional- she makes your whole experience comfortable. If you’re looking for a professional that never judges your situation and treats you very well- I would definitely recommend this office!

5 Stars – Yelp

Patient Image Yelp Layna HLayna H., Yelp

It is refreshing to meet a practitioner who sees the whole patient and not just a series of symptoms. JoEllen is willing to spend the time to ask questions and really listen to the responses. I have seen JoEllen several times and I have always appreciated how much time she spends with each appointment and her pragmatic approach with solutions.  I feel like my health drives the appointment and not the schedule. Finding JoEllen’s practice was like finding a needle in a haystack, a caring practitioner who encourages patients to listen to their bodies and to be their own best advocate.

5 Stars – 10/11/2018

Patient Image Kathy NKathy N., Yelp

Friendly staff. JoEllen is incredibly kind, patient and answers all of my questions whenever I see her. I don’t feel like I am being rushed when I am there, it is very nice.

5 Stars – 10/4/2018

Patient Image Ashley DAshley D., Yelp

I was super impressed. NP Eva was wonderfully personable and professional. Front desk staff (thanks, Mia) was kind and thoughtful. They have snacks and drinks in the waiting room. It’s super clean and the view is lovely. It sits right on the lake at Dobson Ranch.

5 Stars – 5/24/2021

“I started seeing Joellen earlier this year and I have had nothing but good experiences every time I have gone back. She is very down to earth and listens to any concerns. I would highly recommend Embry Womens Health.”

5 stars – 09/28/2018

Patient Image Jeannie DJeannie D., Yelp